Having COPD or using home oxygen does not mean you cannot travel. Advances in portable oxygen and respiratory equipment have provided those who like travel with our lightweight, battery-operated devices that make travelling for all of our patients easier than ever.Recent changes in airline policy have made it possible to bring approved all of our oxygen concentrators on board airlines.Careful planning is essential for those with COPD. Here is a small check list based on the following information to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Where are you going?
Be sure to research the city or state that you will be visiting. Places at high or low altitude can affect your breathing. Poor air quality can cause an exacerbation of COPD. Before you leave, call ahead or check air pollution levels to determine if air quality will be an issue.
Are you healthy enough to travel?
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than ending up in a hospital bed. Schedule a visit with your health care provider shortly before you plan to leave. He or she might prescribe extra medication in case of a flare – up whilst on the road. Your doctors can also provide you with your home-oxygen prescription as well as with any other medical documents that may be required when you travel.
How will you get there ?
How you travel can also affect your COPD systems. Travel by car, air or rail all present different challenges to consider.
Air Travel
There are special considerations for those with COPD when flying. Especially when using supplemental oxygen. Many major airlines now allow you to take and use your own portable oxygen concentrator. We always recommend checking with your airline before booking your holiday, or click on the link below for more information.
Bus
Most bus lines will provide assistance for those with special needs. We recommend you call at least 48 hours before you plan to leave and let them know if you use supplemental oxygen or are in a wheelchair. Most bus lines will allow patients to carry and use their oxygen concentrators on board. Always call ahead for specific regulations.
Cruise Ship
Most cruise lines require 4 to 6 weeks prior notice if travelling with supplemental oxygen. They do however allow you to take your own oxygen concentrators on board, just remember that cruise line regulations may vary.
Quick List:
– Sufficient Batteries for your oxygen concentrator
– Sufficient Medication
– Copy of your oxygen prescription
– Required medical documentation
– A list of your medications
– Proper electrical adapters, particularly if travelling overseas or foreign countries
– Directions to hospital, walk in centres, in case of emergency
To register for our Simple Oxygen Solutions please read more here or to speak to one of our advisors info@oxygenworldwide.com @oxygenworldwide facebook/oxygenworldwide .
Where are you going?
Be sure to research the city or state that you will be visiting. Places at high or low altitude can affect your breathing. Poor air quality can cause an exacerbation of COPD. Before you leave, call ahead or check air pollution levels to determine if air quality will be an issue.
Are you healthy enough to travel?
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than ending up in a hospital bed. Schedule a visit with your health care provider shortly before you plan to leave. He or she might prescribe extra medication in case of a flare – up whilst on the road. Your doctors can also provide you with your home-oxygen prescription as well as with any other medical documents that may be required when you travel.
How will you get there ?
How you travel can also affect your COPD systems. Travel by car, air or rail all present different challenges to consider.
Air Travel
There are special considerations for those with COPD when flying. Especially when using supplemental oxygen. Many major airlines now allow you to take and use your own portable oxygen concentrator. We always recommend checking with your airline before booking your holiday, or click on the link below for more information.
Bus
Most bus lines will provide assistance for those with special needs. We recommend you call at least 48 hours before you plan to leave and let them know if you use supplemental oxygen or are in a wheelchair. Most bus lines will allow patients to carry and use their oxygen concentrators on board. Always call ahead for specific regulations.
Cruise Ship
Most cruise lines require 4 to 6 weeks prior notice if travelling with supplemental oxygen. They do however allow you to take your own oxygen concentrators on board, just remember that cruise line regulations may vary.
Quick List:
– Sufficient Batteries for your oxygen concentrator
– Sufficient Medication
– Copy of your oxygen prescription
– Required medical documentation
– A list of your medications
– Proper electrical adapters, particularly if travelling overseas or foreign countries
– Directions to hospital, walk in centres, in case of emergency
To register for our Simple Oxygen Solutions please read more here or to speak to one of our advisors info@oxygenworldwide.com @oxygenworldwide facebook/oxygenworldwide .